Prepare for a possible hurricane party this Labor Day.

Nassau and Suffolk county officials are urging residents to prepare for the possibility that Hurricane Earl will hit Long Island later in the week, possibly on Friday.

This NOAA satellite image taken Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 01:45 PM EDT shows Category 1 Hurricane Danielle, located about 500 nautical miles northeast of Bermuda, moving northeastward at 23 knots. Danielle is beginning to weaken as it picks up speed in forward motion. Scattered moderate and isolated strong convective activity continues to accompany Danielle. To the south, Category 1 Hurricane Earl, centered about 165 nautical miles east of Antigua, is moving northwestward at 15 knots. Earl is forecast to strengthen over the next couple of days and could reach major hurricane status by Tuesday. Meanwhile, an area of low pressure located midway between the west coast of Africa and the Lesser Antilles has a high chance, 80 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next couple of days. (AP PHOTO/WEATHER UNDERGROUND)

The still-growing Category 3 storm lashed the northeastern Caribbean on Monday while on a course that could threaten the eastern United States.

“Interests from North Carolina all the way to Maine should keep an eye on the system,” said Jessica Schauer, a meteorologist at the Hurricane Center.

With that warning, emergency management officials in Nassau and Suffolk started their 120-hour plan to coordinate with utility companies, the Red Cross and essential municipal agencies.

“In 1938 the Long Island Express—a Category 2 hurricane—decimated much of Long Island, and the people were not prepared,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said Monday. “I urge our residents to heed all warnings and follow the direction of our Office of Emergency Management closely.”

Suffolk officials similarly urged Long Islanders to take the warning seriously, should this storm turn out to The Big One, adding that planning is the key to staving off a potential disaster.

“Cooperative planning among local, state and federal officials and proper public education is critical to mitigating the potential impact of ‘Hurricane Earl’,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said.

The storm’s center was forecast to pass over or near the northernmost Virgin Islands later Monday as it gradually turns to the north before running roughly parallel to the U.S. East Coast.

The Hurricane Center said it is early to say what effect Earl would have on the U.S., but warns it could at least kick up dangerous rip currents.

Earl has grown rapidly in strength, fueled by warm ocean temperatures of 86 F.

Forecasters say there is a chance the hurricane could brush the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region toward the end of the week, with its closest approach to North Carolina on Thursday or Friday.

Meanwhile, the Category 1 Hurricane Danielle was weakening far out over the north Atlantic.

Suffolk County officials suggested resident log on to the Mitigation Education for Natural Disasters (MEND) website for tips on pre- and post-hurricane home planning at www.suffolkcountyny.gov/MEND/resources.html

Mangano said every family should have a “Go Kit,” in the event of a hurricane watch or warning. Keep the kit by your front door in a duffel bag. It should have enough supplies for everyone in your household for five (5) days, including:

- First aid kit. Pack a “how to” guide as well.
- Essential prescription and nonprescription items and medical information.
- Battery-powered flashlight and radio (or crank radio), extra batteries and a 12-hour glow stick. 
- A change of clothes, plus rainwear, sturdy shoes and protective gloves for everyone. 
- Personal items, eyeglasses and personal care items. 
- Important documents in a waterproof container: drivers’ licenses, wills, birth/marriage certificates, insurance policies, deed or lease papers, recent tax   returns, credit card and bank account numbers, Social Security cards, Passport and Home inventory list 
- Make sure you have special items for infants, elderly persons, pets or loved ones with special needs.

Many people consider their pets family members, too. Make sure your pets are taken care of with a Pet Go Kit, which should include:

- Your pets’ names, address and phone number 
- Your name, address, phone and cell number 
- Emergency contact – friend or family 
- Your veterinarian’s name and contact info 
- Important Documents 
- Medical records : Medications : Specific Care instructions : Behavioral problems First aid kit / medications 
- Current photos 
- Sturdy leash, collar or harness, muzzles 
- Paper towels for clean-up 
- Food & Bottled Water (3 days supply) 
- Manual can opener & Bowls
- Water purification tablets 
- Toys and other comfort items 
- Treats, brushes, combs 
- Newspapers and plastic

Additional hurricane information is available on the County website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/hurricane.htm

With Associated Press.